political parties 2-3

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Political Parties


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Notebook Stuff TP- Political Parties

CM-218-275 You will need 3 pages; 1 CM persection

Map of U.S. Coloring the Blue and Red Statesfrom the 2004 election

Graphic Organizer- 1 page typed paper

comparing and contrasting the basic principalsof the Democratic and Republican parties.


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More Notebook Stuff

Illustrated Dictionary Words; Political

Party, Political Machine, Exit Poll,Propaganda, Public Opinion

Section Reviews-

Pg. 232 1-18 Pg. 252 1-15

Pg. 276 1-18


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What is a Political Party? Definition: a group of political activists who organize to win elections,

to operate the government, and to determine public policy.

Parties versus interest groups

Functions of parties

Recruiting candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of

government

Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections

Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels

Providing organized opposition to the party in power is an essentialrole for a party that does not control one or another branch of thegovernment. History of Political Parties


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Red vs. Blue

In the years after 1968, the general

pattern was often a Republicanpresident and a Democratic Congress.

2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)


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Election 1896


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Election 2000


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Election 2004


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The Two Major Parties Today

The parties core constituents

Economic beliefs

Recent economic convergence?

Republican and Democratic Budgets

Democrats have the reputation ofsupporting the less-well-off, andRepublicans the prosperous.

Cultural Politics

Cultural Politics and Socioeconomic StatusThe Regional Factor in Cultural Politics

The 2004 Election: Economics and NationalSecurity


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Fig. 8-4 Republican Issues

and Democratic Issues


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The Three Faces of a Party

1-The people who identify with the party orwho regularly vote for the candidates ofthe party in general elections

2-Party organizationNational

Convention delegates

National Committee National Chairperson


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Three Faces of a Party (cont.)

State party organization

Local (grass roots) organization Patronage and City Machines

Local Party Organizations Today

3-The Party in Government Divided Government

The Limits of Party Unity Party Polarization


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Why Has the Two Party

System Endured?

Often, on major issues confronting the countrythere have been two clear sides. This dualityhelped to initiate a two-party system and hasmaintained this system through the present.

Political socialization and practical considerations The Winner-Take-All Electoral System

Presidential Voting

Popular Election of the Governors andPresident

Proportional Representation

State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties


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The Role of Minor Parties in U.S.Politics

Ideological Third Parties

Splinter Parties

The Impact of Minor Parties

Influencing the Major Parties

Affecting the Outcome of an Election


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Mechanisms of Political Change

Realignment: a process in which a substantialgroup of voters switches party allegiance,producing a long-term change in the politicallandscape.

The Myth of Dominance The Myth of Predictability

Is Realignment Still Possible?

Dealignment: a major drop-off in support for

the parties. Independent Voters

Not-So-Independent Voters

Tipping


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Fig. 8-5 Party Identification:1937-Present


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The Most Successful Third

Party Campaigns Since 1864


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A voter or a candidate who does not identify with apolitical party is called an independent.

Functions of political parties in the United Statesinclude:operating the government.

acting as an organized opposition to the party in power.recruiting candidates for public office.presenting alternative policies to the electorate.


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The political party out of power is expected to

oppose the party in power when appropriate &

expected to force debate on policy alternatives.

A political system in which only two parties havea reasonable chance of winning is called a two-party system.

George Washington viewed political parties as athreat to national unity and popular government.


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During the last half-century, the Democrats havebeen known as the party of the working classand of racial and ethnic minorities.

During the last half-century, the Republicanshave been known as the party of business and

known for having an ethic of self-reliance.

Republicans have emphasized the importanceof the marketplace and less emphasis on social

programs.

Democrats have emphasized social welfare andprotection of seniors benefits.


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In recent years, cultural issues have becomeincreasingly important in defining the

differences between the parties.Abortion, Stem Cell, Same Sex Marriage


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The National Convention of the party:writes the party platform.nominates a presidential candidate.seeks to make peace between supportersof rival candidates.chooses a national committee to governthe party between conventions.


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The two-party system has dominated the

American political landscape because:there has often been a single overriding issue that splitsthe electorate in two.the election of governors and the president by thepeople (directly or indirectly), and not by a vote of alegislative body.state and federal laws favor the two major parties.many people believe that the only practical way to gainpower is to be a Republican or a Democrat.


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Many political scientists contend that third parties

have acted as barometers of changes in thepolitical mood.

Third parties have influenced American politicsby getting their policies adopted by a major party& determining whether the Republicans or

Democrats win an election.


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The following are arguments in favor of voting for

a third-party candidate who represents one'sviews:it is a way to bring new ideas into the national debate.the beliefs of the major-party candidates may be a long way

from your own.not all elections are close, and it is better to express yourbeliefs than to vote for a sure winner or loser.it can be satisfying to be right, even if you lose.

political parties 2-3

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